BEST LUXURY BEACH RESORTS IN MALAYSIA

Look no further as we bring you the best luxury beach resorts in Malaysia. From tropical rainforest stays to amazing water villas, Malaysia has something for every sun lover.

Separated by the South China Sea, Malaysia is divided into two regions, Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo (or rather known as West & East Malaysia). Located close to the equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate and is sunny most of the year. It is no surprise that Malaysia also boasts some of the best beaches in South East Asia with some of the best diving spots in the region.

BEST LUXURY BEACH RESORTS IN MALAYSIA

LUXURY BEACH RESORT IN TERENGGANU

Situated on the upper east coast of West Malaysia, Terengganu boasts some of the nation’s best islands outlying the state such as Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Redang and is known for its turtles. The good news is that most of these islands are still untouched by commercial development. However, if you still prefer your creature comforts and personal bathrooms, here is our pick as one of the best luxury beach resorts in Malaysia which you can immerse yourself in pure luxury:

TANJONG JARA RESORT

Located in Kuala Terengganu, facing the South China Sea, Tanjong Jara Resort is a 99-room resort designed with 17th century Malay palaces in mind. This sea-side resort’s philosophy is based on a Malay concept of ‘Sucimurni’, focusing on purity of spirit, health and well-being. With its majestic yet warm and welcoming environment, your senses will certainly be rejuvenated during your stay here.

All rooms come furnished in local timber and rich fabrics, with some rooms having a direct view of the South China Sea. The Anjung room comes with an outdoor bath set in its own private garden while the Serambi and Bumbung rooms both look out to the sea. Exuding neutral tones and traditional Malay wooden styles, each of these rooms are luxuriously decorated for your ultimate comfort.

Tanjong Jara’s award-winning Spa Village is also a must-do while staying there. With traditional Malay therapies and treatments, you’re practically in paradise!

LUXURY BEACH RESORT IN LANGKAWI

Langkawi Island, the Jewel of Kedah, is a beautiful tropical rainforest wonderland and covers an area of 32,000 hectares, making it the largest island in West Malaysia. Apart from its duty-free shopping, Langkawi offers visitors an unforgettable experience with non-stop activities and sights to see such as paddy fields, mangroves, mountain hikes, golf courses and of course, pristine beaches.

THE ST. REGIS LANGKAWI

Timeless sophistication awaits at the St. Regis Langkawi, where lavish facilities meet tropical pleasures in the 89 luxury suites and villas. This newcomer to the best luxury beach resorts in Malaysia is certainly making its mark in Langkawi.

Situated in an idyllic cove on the southern tip of Langkawi, this 5-star luxury resort is the pinnacle of luxury island living set amidst centuries-old rainforest and facing the Andaman Sea.

Each of its 85 rooms and 4 over-water villas boasts outstanding views and is decorated in neutral tones with hints of colours of the sea, giving its discerning guests a feel of the tropical life.

There are five dining venues including an over-water restaurant, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and a large private beach to get away from it all.

THE DATAI

An idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a 550 million year old virgin rainforest, situated on the north-western tip of Langkawi, lies The Datai. With its own private beach facing the Andaman Sea, this resort is the perfect hideaway in the very heart of nature. We can see why The Datai has been voted one of the best luxury beach resorts in Malaysia.

All 106 rooms and suites are tastefully designed with a classic yet modern look and feel with an emphasis on polished wood and earthy colors. You can opt for the Deluxe Rooms or Superior Villas which are located right in the rainforest for that tropical feel.

Wake up to complimentary breakfast on your verandah and lilting songs of tropical birds. There is also a spa where you can invigorate your senses further and chances are, you may never want to leave The Datai.

LUXURY BEACH RESORT IN SABAH

Sabah, the northern portion of the island of Borneo, East Malaysia, is home to the three highest mountains in Malaysia and at 4095metres, the highest mountain in South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu. This state is a nature-lover’s paradise with its lush rainforest, mountain-scape and heavenly beaches surrounding it.

SHANGRI-LA RASA RIA RESORT

With 420 well-appointed rooms spanning from the Garden Wing to the Ocean Wing, Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort lives up to its 5-star reputation as one of the top luxury beach resorts in Malaysia. All ground floor rooms have private terraces leading out to the lush green gardens while the upper floors all have individual balconies with great views of the sea or the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Malaysian culture can be seen in the guest rooms with soft, earthy tones and intricately carved panels. The result is a luxurious yet relaxing space that makes you not want to leave.

Ocean Wing guests have the added luxury of its own private swimming pool. The resort provides a number of engaging activities to do including a Nature Reserve, Orang Utan education center and an ecologically friendly championship golf course.

SIPADAN-KAPALAI DIVE RESORT

Beyond the coasts of Sabah lie a number of islands and coral reefs which are popular with divers and marine lovers alike.

Though not considered as one of a luxury beach resorts in Malaysia, Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort makes up in it’s breath-taking surroundings. Located off the coast of Borneo, this slice of paradise is not the most accessible resort, but definitely worthy of the trip. However, there is a helipad at the resort, so if you’re willing to fork out the extra dollars, you can charter your very own chopper from Tawau Airport direct to the resort. The aerial view might just be worth it!

The resort’s wooden chalets, built on stilts on the Ligitan Reefs over the crystal clear water, makes you feel like you’re in a local water village with all the modernities you can expect from luxury beach resorts in Malaysia. The rooms are spacious, airy and bright with your very own extended balcony overlooking the water where if you’re lucky, you may be able to see turtles swim by in the morning. There is no land in sight but a mile-long sandbank of powdery white sand and pristine waters.

The resort is equipped with a 5-star PADI Dive centre and is suitable for both divers and non-divers, families, couples and solo travelers who are looking for a truly special place to getaway from it all.

South East Asia, comprising of Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, is home to some of the world’s best beaches. SunStyleFiles will take you on a journey to discover some of the region’s best-kept secrets and some of the world’s best places to stay.